DETONATE Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

detonate

verb

ˈde-tᵊn-ˌāt

Definition of detonate

as in to explode

to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the bomb detonated with a thunder that could be heard for blocks in all directions

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of detonate The devices did not detonate before police discovered them the following day. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2026 Many older interceptor missiles use blast-fragmentation warheads, detonating near the incoming missile and destroying it with high-speed metal fragments. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 With this in mind, NATO ran an exercise in June imagining drones detonating as a ship enters the port. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026 It was detonated by remote control from an offshore yacht following a signal by one of the men watching the site. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for detonate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate

Verb

Images of 20-year-old Lionel Messi and infant Lamine Yamal from 2007 have exploded in popularity in the run-up to Sunday’s World Cup final, when Messi’s Argentina plays Yamal’s Spain for the biggest trophy in the sport.

— Alanis Thames, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
The global market for testosterone therapy has exploded from global sales of only $18 million annually in the late 1980s to nearly $2 billion in 2025.

— Alexander P. Cole, STAT, 18 July 2026

Definition of explode

Verb

The night quickly blew open from there, a 10-7 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies that was uglier than the final score and further sank Sheehan’s season.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 21 July 2026
As the final seconds ticked down on Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over a valiant Argentina and the referee blew his whistle, one could be forgiven for their mind once again slipping to memories of La Roja’s maiden World Cup victory.

— Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of blow

Verb

Julian Alvarez provides bustling energy and quality up top, Enzo Fernandez has popped up with crucial late goals, and Emi Martinez is a confident presence between the posts.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Then, around five years ago, a strange phenomenon started to pop up, as stars stepped out on red carpets in glammed-up versions of their characters’ onscreen looks.

— Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Definition of pop

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dethroning

detonate

detonated

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“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of detonate

verb

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